Intern (Research, Storytelling & Community Impact)

Steer • Pittsburgh, PA

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

Fourth Economy's Research, Storytelling & Community Impact Internship is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates with interests in communications, journalism, public policy, economic development, community development, sociology, nonprofit management, marketing, public health, urban studies, or related fields. We are seeking a curious, creative, and motivated individual who enjoys learning, experimenting, and helping others understand complex ideas through research, storytelling, and engagement. This internship focuses on helping Fourth Economy tell the stories behind the data. Interns will support research, writing, communications, engagement activities, events, and special initiatives that help communities, organizations, and regions understand complex challenges and opportunities. The intern will work alongside consultants, researchers, and engagement specialists to document community experiences, translate research into accessible content, support public engagement efforts, and identify compelling ways to communicate impact. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and execution and is excited to test new ideas and approaches.

Requirements

• Strong written communication and storytelling skills
• Interest in community development, economic mobility, public policy, housing, workforce development, public health, or related topics
• Experience conducting research and synthesizing information from multiple sources
• Ability to organize information and identify key themes, trends, and insights
• Strong attention to detail and project management skills
• Comfort managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team
• Curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn

Nice To Haves

• Experience with interviews, journalism, communications, marketing, content creation, event planning, or community engagement is a plus
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, website content management systems, or related communications tools is a plus

Responsibilities

• Conducting desktop research on community and economic development topics
• Supporting interviews, focus groups, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Drafting reports, articles, blog posts, case studies, newsletters, and other written materials
• Supporting Fourth Economy's social media, website, and thought leadership content
• Helping manage conference calendars, speaking opportunities, event logistics, and content preparation
• Assisting with the planning and coordination of the Agents of Change initiative and other events
• Identifying stories, themes, and insights that emerge from research and engagement activities
• Testing new communications, engagement, and storytelling approaches to help expand Fourth Economy's reach and impact
• Exploring emerging tools and technologies that can improve how we share information, engage stakeholders, and communicate results
• Support Fourth Economy's Agents of Change initiative, a series of conversations and gatherings designed to bring together practitioners, community leaders, nonprofits, researchers, and residents to discuss pressing challenges and innovative approaches related to economic mobility, opportunity, and community development.
• Research topics, identify speakers and participants, develop communications materials, support event logistics, document conversations, and capture lessons learned that can be shared more broadly.
• Conduct background research on community and economic development topics
• Draft articles, blogs, case studies, summaries, presentations, and communications materials
• Support social media content creation and content planning
• Help translate technical information into accessible and engaging content
• Identify opportunities to elevate client stories, project outcomes, and organizational thought leadership
• Support stakeholder interviews and engagement activities
• Help manage conference schedules, event logistics, and speaking opportunities
• Assist with planning and coordination of Agents of Change and other convenings
• Participate in community meetings, workshops, and events
• Test new ideas, tools, and approaches related to engagement, communications, and storytelling
• Document key insights and lessons learned from events and conversations
• Join internal meetings and learning sessions
• Shadow project teams and business development activities
• Connect with Fourth Economy and Steer staff to learn about different career paths and project types
• Gain exposure to consulting, project management, business development, and thought leadership activities

Benefits

• Competitive wage of $25 per hour
• Meaningful project experience
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to continue with Fourth Economy across multiple academic semesters
• Consideration for future full-time positions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed